Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs EPYC 7C13
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
EPYC 7C13
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7C13
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 7C13 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) | ✅ More affordable ($2,000) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Milan (2021−2023) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 7C13 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+36%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) | ✅ More affordable ($2,000) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen Threadripper 3990X and EPYC 7C13
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 79,889 points. Launch price was $3,999.
EPYC 7C13
The EPYC 7C13 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2021-03-01. It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.68 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 76,363 points. Launch price was $5,000.
Processing Power
Both the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X and EPYC 7C13 share an identical 64-core/128-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X versus 3.68 GHz on the EPYC 7C13 — a 15.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the EPYC 7C13 uses Milan (2021−2023) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X scores 79,889 against the EPYC 7C13's 76,363 — a 4.5% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,961 vs 1,538, a 24.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,045 vs 37,000 (50.7% advantage for the EPYC 7C13). L3 cache: 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7C13.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 7C13 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128 | 64 / 128 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz+17% | 3.68 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+45% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB | 256 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Milan (2021−2023) |
| PassMark | 79,889+5% | 76,363 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 64,366 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,961+28% | 1,538 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,045 | 37,000+68% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7C13 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The EPYC 7C13 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 8 (EPYC 7C13). PCIe lanes: 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs 128 (EPYC 7C13) — the EPYC 7C13 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) and SP3 (EPYC 7C13).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 7C13 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 4096 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 88 | 128+45% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) vs AMD-V (EPYC 7C13). Primary use case: EPYC 7C13 targets Enterprise Server. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE; EPYC 7C13 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 7C13 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Enterprise Server |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X launched at $3990 MSRP, while the EPYC 7C13 debuted at $2000. At current prices ($2850 vs $2000), the EPYC 7C13 is $850 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 38.2 pts/$ for the EPYC 7C13 — making the EPYC 7C13 the 30.7% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | EPYC 7C13 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3990 | $2000-50% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2850 | $2000-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.0 | 38.2+36% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2021 |
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